SWR Recruitment 2025: Group C/D (Sports Quota) - Your Career in Indian Railways
This is a comprehensive guide for the South Western Railway (SWR) Group C/D (Sports Quota) recruitment for 46 vacancies. This opportunity is designed for talented sportspersons to build a stable career in the Indian Railways.
📅 Important Dates
Event Date
Date of Notification 01 November 2025
Starting Date for Online Application 01 November 2025 (or around 21 October 2025, based on similar previous notifications)
Last Date for Online Application 20 November 2025
Last Date for Application Fee Payment 20 November 2025
Tentative Period for Field Trials December 2025 / January 2026 onwards (Tentative)
🎯 Vacancy Details (46 Posts)
The vacancies are distributed across different Pay Levels as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix and are subject to specific sports disciplines and events as per the official notification.
Post Category Vacancies Pay Matrix Level (7th CPC) Grade Pay (6th CPC Equivalent) Location
Group C Not specified (Level 4/5) Level 4 / Level 5 ₹2400 / ₹2800 Karnataka (SWR Zone)
Group C/D Not specified (Level 2/3/1) Level 3 / Level 2 / Level 1 ₹2000 / ₹1900 / ₹1800 Karnataka (SWR Zone)
Total 46 - - -
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification varies depending on the Pay Level applied for:
Level (7th CPC) Minimum Prescribed Educational Qualification
Level 5 / 4 Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University. OR 12th pass (+2 stage) in Higher Secondary in Science (Physics or Maths) for certain technical posts. OR 12th pass for certain clerical posts with typing proficiency.
Level 3 / 2 Passed 12th (+2 stage) or its equivalent. OR Matriculation plus Course Completed Act Apprenticeship/ITI approved by NCVT/SCVT.
Level 1 Passed 10th or its equivalent examination. OR ITI. OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
Age Limit (As on 01 January 2026 - Tentative)
Minimum Age: 18 years
Maximum Age: 25 years
Note: Candidates must have been born between 02.01.2001 and 01.01.2008 (both days inclusive). No age relaxation is permissible for candidates applying under the Sports Quota.
Sports Achievements (Mandatory Criteria)
Only achievements secured on or after 01 April 2023 are generally considered. The specific required achievement level depends on the Pay Level applied for:
Level (7th CPC) Minimum Sports Norms Required (Examples)
Level 5 / 4 Represented the Country in Olympic Games (Senior Category) OR Secured at least 3rd Position in World Cup / World Championships / Asian Games (Senior) / Commonwealth Games (Senior).
Level 3 / 2 Represented the Country in any Category-A or Category-B Championships/events OR Secured at least 3rd Position in Senior/Youth/Junior National Championships / National Games / All India Inter University Championship.
Level 1 Represented in Commonwealth Championships / Asian Championships / SAF Games (Senior) OR Secured at least 3rd Position in Federation Cup Championships (Senior) OR Represented a State or Equivalent Unit (with at least 8th position in Senior National Championships only for certain events like Marathon).
Note: Specific disciplines like Chess and Table Tennis may have additional norms based on FIDE ratings or All India Rankings. Refer to the official notification for the exact list of recognized events and norms.
💸 Application Fees
Category Application Fee Refund Provision
General / OBC ₹500/- ₹400/- will be refunded upon actually appearing in the trials.
SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Women / Minorities / EBC ₹250/- Full ₹250/- will be refunded upon actually appearing in the trials.
The application fee must be paid online through the prescribed mode.
🏅 Selection Process
The selection process is purely merit-based and involves three main stages:
1. Trials (Qualifying)
Candidates are assessed on:
Game Skill and Physical Fitness: (40 Marks)
Coach's Observation: (Part of Trials)
Candidates must score a minimum of 25 marks in the trials to be considered 'FIT' and proceed to the next stage.
2. Assessment of Achievements & Educational Qualifications (For FIT Candidates)
Marks are awarded as follows:
Sports Achievements: 50 Marks
Educational Qualifications: 10 Marks
Total Marks: 100
3. Final Merit and Medical Examination
The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks (Trials + Achievements + Education).
Level (7th CPC) Minimum Qualifying Marks (Total)
Level 5 / 4 70 Marks
Level 3 / 2 65 Marks
Level 1 60 Marks
Tie-breaking: In case of a tie in marks, the candidate who is younger in age will be placed higher in the merit list.
Medical Fitness: Finally, selected candidates must pass the prescribed Medical Examination (BEE-ONE (B-1) or higher classification) to ensure they are physically fit for the duties.
💰 Salary and Career Growth
The salary structure is governed by the 7th CPC Pay Matrix and includes various allowances, making it a lucrative and stable career.
Salary Structure (Approximate Basic Pay)
Level (7th CPC) Grade Pay (6th CPC) Basic Pay (Approx.) Approximate In-Hand Salary (Monthly)
Level 5 ₹2800 ₹29,200 ₹38,000 - ₹41,000
Level 4 ₹2400 ₹25,500 ₹33,000 - ₹36,000
Level 3 ₹2000 ₹21,700 ₹27,000 - ₹30,000
Level 2 ₹1900 ₹19,900 ₹25,000 - ₹28,000
Level 1 ₹1800 ₹18,000 ₹26,000 - ₹30,000
In-hand salary varies based on Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) depending on the city category (X, Y, Z), Transport Allowance (TA), and deductions.
Allowances and Perks
Employees are entitled to:
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Transport Allowance (TA)
Medical Facilities for self and family.
Railway Passes for free/discounted travel.
Special Leave for sports training and tournaments.
Access to high-quality sports facilities and coaching.
Career Growth
Indian Railways offers a strong path for career advancement:
Promotion: Promotions are based on seniority, performance, and departmental examinations.
Incentives: Sportspersons who continue to excel can receive special awards, recognition, and potentially faster career growth or higher pay-level appointments based on improved sports achievements.
Stability: The job provides security and a defined path for long-term career stability in a prestigious government organization.
📝 How to Apply (Complete Guide)
The application process is entirely Online.
Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Railway Recruitment Cell, South Western Railway: www.rrchubli.in or swr.indianrailways.gov.in.
Find the Notification: Look for the link related to "Recruitment against Sports Quota (Open Advertisement) for the year 2025-26."
Registration: Complete the initial registration by providing your basic details (Name, Mobile Number, Email ID, Date of Birth).
Fill the Application Form: Log in using your credentials and fill out the detailed application form. Carefully enter your personal, educational, and most importantly, your Sports Achievement details, ensuring they meet the prescribed norms for the Level you are applying for.
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents in the specified format:
Recent Photograph and Signature.
Educational Certificates (as per the Level applied for).
Sports Achievement Certificates (dated on or after 01.04.2023).
Age Proof (10th/Matriculation Certificate).
Caste Certificate (if applicable).
Pay the Fee: Pay the applicable application fee online using Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking.
Submission: Review all the details, submit the application, and take a printout of the final submitted application form and the e-receipt of the fee payment for future reference.
📚 Preparation Strategy for Trials and Assessment
The selection is weighted heavily towards your sporting prowess (up to 90 marks out of 100 for Trials and Achievements).
For Sports Trials (40 Marks)
Focus on Game Skills: The trials will rigorously assess your specific skills related to the position/event you are applying for. Maintain continuous and high-intensity practice.
Physical Fitness: Ensure peak physical conditioning. The trials will include fitness assessments.
Coach's Observations: Your performance during the trials will be observed by the selection committee/coaches. Demonstrate discipline, teamwork, and a strong understanding of the game.
For Sports Achievements (50 Marks)
Document Verification: Organize all your original sports certificates for the current and immediate previous two financial years (on or after 01.04.2023).
Eligibility Check: Cross-check that your highest achievement meets the minimum specified Sports Norms for the Level you've applied for (Level 5/4, 3/2, or 1).
For Educational Qualifications (10 Marks)
Ensure you possess the original certificates for the minimum required qualification as of the closing date of application.
❓ 10+ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the age limit relaxable for SC/ST/OBC candidates? A: No, there is no age relaxation in the upper or lower age limit for candidates applying under the Sports Quota. The age limit is a strict 18 to 25 years.
Q2. Can I apply for a Level-5 post if I only meet the sports norms for a Level-3 post? A: No, you must meet the minimum prescribed sports norms for the Level you are applying for. However, candidates with higher norms may apply for lower-level posts, but will be considered only for the applied post and cannot claim the higher level later.
Q3. What is the minimum educational qualification for a Level-1 post? A: The minimum qualification for a Level-1 post is 10th Pass or its equivalent (ITI/NAC).
Q4. Are sports achievements obtained before April 1, 2023, considered? A: No, generally, only achievements secured on or after 01 April 2023 are considered for this recruitment cycle.
Q5. Can I apply for more than one sport or more than one pay level? A: Yes, you can apply for multiple sports disciplines or different pay levels if you fulfill the respective eligibility criteria for each. However, you must submit a separate online application form and pay the application fee separately for each application.
Q6. Will the application fee be refunded? A: A portion of the fee (₹400 for General/OBC, and full ₹250 for SC/ST/EBC/Women/Minorities) is refundable if the candidate actually appears in the sports trials.
Q7. What if I am a Graduate but apply for a Level-1 post? A: You will be considered for the Level-1 post based on your qualifications and sports norms, but your recruitment will be for the Level-1 post, and you cannot claim a higher-level post later based on your academic qualification alone.
Q8. What is the B-1 Medical Classification? A: B-1 is a medical standard required for various railway posts. It involves checks for vision, general physical fitness, and hearing. Only medically fit candidates are considered for appointment.
Q9. Is a Diploma in Engineering considered an equivalent qualification for technical posts? A: No, for posts like Skilled Artisan, a Diploma in Engineering is not considered an alternative higher qualification to an ITI/Act Apprenticeship.
Q10. How is the final merit list prepared? A: The final merit is based on the total marks scored out of 100, comprising Trials (40 marks) + Sports Achievements (50 marks) + Educational Qualification (10 marks), only for those candidates who are deemed 'FIT' in the trials and pass the medical examination.